Cracking Could Lead To Power Loss

Owners of certain Continental engines with Engine Components, Inc. (ECi) cylinders installed might want to read a new special airworthiness information bulletin (SAIB) from the FAA.

The FAA reports service difficulty reports since 2003 show problems with fatigue cracks on those cylinders. The FAA received 179 Malfunction or Defect Reports of cylinder head cracks, from engine repair stations and aircraft operators.

Loss of cylinder compression in one cylinder of a six cylinder engine will result in a partial loss of engine power and will cause the engine to run rough. Reports show that the cylinder head crack with a loss of cylinder compression can occur between 253 and 1,483 hours-inservice (HIS). Based on the reported data, the average time-to-crack was 891 HIS.

The FAA issued a SAIB, instead of a mandatory airworthiness directive, because the cracks don't appear likely to cause a head separation. Loss of cylinder compression in one cylinder of a six cylinder engine will result in a partial loss of engine power, though, and will also cause the engine to run rough.

To be on the safe side, the FAA recommends owners inspect cylinders with more than 500 hours within 10 hours of receiving the bulletin... and then every 50 hours thereafter.

FMI: Read The SAIB